The fire at a Morrisons in Folkestone is thought to have started in the deep fat fryer at the in-store café, Kent Fire and Rescue Service has said.

A spokesman for the fire service told Kent Live: "Our officers at the scene have been told by the supermarket's staff that they believe it may have started in a deep fat fryer, and it is something we will investigate."

The fire started around 7.30am.

The fire service has said the roof of the supermarket on Cheriton Way has "collapsed" and 12 fire engines are currently at the scene along with 55 firefighters.

Smoke has been visible for miles in outer villages such as Hawkinge and Capel-le-Ferne.

The issued a statement earlier this morning: "Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s Technical Rescue Team is in attendance and the drone is being launched to assess the incident from above. The roof of the building, which is approximately 80m x 60m in size, has collapsed.

"The initial alarm was raised by a member of staff and the store was evacuated immediately. A nearby leisure centre has also been evacuated as a precaution.

"The fire is believed to have started in the store’s café, and a fire investigation will take place. There are no reported casualties at this time.